Jay Nixon in 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches


On Civil Rights: Combat employment & housing discrimination against LGBTs

In July, I signed an executive order to ensure compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision establishing a right to same-sex marriage. No one should be discriminated against because of who they love. We've come a long way on this issue, but there is more to be done. It is unacceptable that Missourians can still be fired for being gay. That's wrong, it's not who we are--and it must change. I repeat my call for the General Assembly to pass the Missouri Non-discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination against LGBT Missourians in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

On Education: Affordable tuition is highest priority

In 2009, too many kids couldn't afford college--and those who did get a degree were saddled with too much debt. But today, more kids are going to college, getting their degrees--all while taking on far less debt than the national average. We're talking thousands of dollars less. This year, we will strengthen Missouri's position as a leader in college affordability and quality. First, my budget includes an additional $56 million in performance funding. And with this historic investment, our public colleges and universities will once again freeze tuition for Missouri undergraduates.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

On Education: Fund public schools, don't develop voucher schemes

Even during the worst of the recession, we never backed away from our commitment to support our public schools. There were some who doubted whether our students and schools were up to the challenge, who said the new state standards were too tough, too ambitious. I disagreed. I knew that if we raised our expectations, our students would rise to meet them. No gimmicks or voucher schemes--just great teachers, the right tools, strong communities, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

On Families & Children: We need childcare and parental leave

Another way we can continue to strengthen our economy is by strengthening Missouri families. Finding good, affordable childcare is a challenge for every working family in America--and especially those with low incomes. That's why my budget makes child care more affordable for 20,000 low-income working families, reducing their out-of-pocket costs. And this year, we are going to expand family-friendly policies like parental leave for state employees.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

On Families & Children: Made insurance cover therapy for autism

When I took office, insurance companies didn't cover therapy for thousands of Missouri kids with autism. Today, thousands of children are receiving life-changing therapy because we worked together and passed landmark autism legislation. And with increased funding in my budget, we will build a new autism.
Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Missouri legislature Jan 20, 2016

The above quotations are from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches.
Click here for other excerpts from 2016 Governor's State of the State speeches.
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Page last updated: Dec 09, 2018